Russia and North Korea's new cross-border construction project
New satellite imagery shows progress on a road link between Russia and North Korea
Welcome to Views From Above, a newsletter bringing you satellite imagery snapshots of major world events. Today, we are looking at Russia and North Korea’s construction of a new cross-border road bridge.
Russia and North Korea recently announced a new construction project: a cross-border road bridge. It is being built near an existing rail link previously used to transport North Korean weapons to Russia. The project’s announcement is part of a series of moves strengthening ties between the two countries, which have deepened significantly since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The satellite image above shows the existing rail bridge and progress on constructing the new roadway on each side of the border. According to Russian and North Korean officials, the bridge is slated for completion halfway through 2026.
North Korea has supported Russia in multiple ways since the latter country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition to sending troops, Pyongyang has provided Moscow with ammunition, artillery, and other military equipment. Intelligence officials from the US, South Korea, and Ukraine have said North Korea dispatched up to 12,000 troops to Russia. While both countries initially denied that troops were sent, Putin later praised North Korean soldiers for their assistance.
In return, Russia has provided North Korea with an infusion of funds, resources like oil, and diplomatic leverage. Russia can further assist in developing military technology and, through fighting in Ukraine, North Korea’s soldiers and weapons can become part of a battlefield-tested force.
The two countries signed a mutual defense treaty in 2024, and experts expect their relationship will continue to deepen. Construction projects like the cross-border road bridge are a part of that growing relationship. To see more imagery, check out a time-lapse of Russia and North Korea’s construction efforts from the past few months in the video below.
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